How to Prep Your Arsenal of Lawn Tools For Lawncare Season

By Shelley Frost

May 02, 2025

The dog days of summer mean lots of mowing, weeding and trimming your lawn. You might not look forward to those sweaty tasks, but they're a lot easier when you have well-maintained tools that work efficiently. Routine upkeep also helps your lawn equipment last longer with fewer breakdowns.

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Doing a little spring lawn tool prep helps you get your arsenal ready to tackle your yard care effectively.

How Do I Maintain My Garden Tools?

Lawnmowers and weed trimmers are key garden and lawn tools that help you keep your grass pristine. Before you use them for the first time each year, do a little spring lawn tool prep with these maintenance tasks.

Lawnmowers

You'll want to take several steps to prep your mower for the season. Before you do any work, disconnect the spark plug to prevent the machine from turning on. Depending on the prep work you did in the fall, you might not need to follow all of these tips. Tasks to prep your mower include:

Changing the oil: A lawnmower typically needs an oil change once per season or after being used for 50 hours. If you didn't change the oil last fall, it's a good idea to do it now so you can start fresh.
Checking the fuel: If you emptied the fuel last fall, now's the time to refill your mower with gas. Putting stabilizer in the gas tank in the fall is a good way to keep the gas fresh. Depending on your gas mower, you may need to mix oil with the gasoline. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Sharpening the blades: You'll get a fresh, clean cut if you start the season with sharp mower blades.
Checking the spark plug: It may need to be cleaned or replaced to ensure the machine works correctly.
Checking other replaceable parts: This includes the air filter and drive belts. If they're dirty or worn, replacing them prevents problems once mowing season hits.
Cleaning the mower: It's a good idea to clean your mower before storing it in the fall. Otherwise, give it a thorough cleaning in the spring. You'll also want to clean it periodically throughout the season.

Weed Trimmers

Spring lawn care preparation steps for a weed trimmer include:

Cleaning the trimmer: Wipe off any remaining grass debris from the previous season. Dish soap can help remove any greasy residue.
Checking the string: You may need to replace the trimmer line if you ended last season on the low side. The line can also become brittle over time, so check the quality of the line, even if it's not low.
Inspecting the spark plug: If the spark plug is black, it should be replaced.
Checking the fuel and oil: Like your mower, your weed trimmer benefits from a fresh tank of gas and an oil change at the beginning of the season.
Checking the air filter: Weed trimmers have air filters that may need to be cleaned or replaced.

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What Is the Best Way to Store Lawn Tools?

Lawnmowers are best stored in a garage, shed or another covered area to keep them away from the elements. If you don't have a covered storage spot, use a lawnmower cover or tarp to shield the equipment from weather between mowing sessions.

A weed trimmer won't typically stand up on its own, so hanging storage is often ideal. Install hooks to hold the tool vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference. Garages and sheds are common storage spots. When possible, keep the trimmer in a dry, cool place to keep it from corroding.

When Should I Do Spring Lawn Tool Prep?

Start your spring lawn tool prep early in the season so everything is ready when the grass starts to grow. Your climate affects the timing of getting your tools ready. If you live in a warm climate year-round, your lawn care tools might not get much of a break. Perform lawn care tool maintenance throughout the year as the equipment needs it. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, pull out your lawn tools once it's warm enough to work outside and wash items without the water freezing.

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